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Miracle

Miracle

The story of the greatest moment in sports history.

2004135 minPGMidcredits score: 94th percentile of all films
Director
Gavin O'Connor
Starring
Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich, Sean McCann

When college coach Herb Brooks is hired to helm the 1980 U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, he brings a unique and brash style to the ice. After assembling a team of hot-headed college all-stars, who are humiliated in an early match, Brooks unites his squad against a common foe: the heavily-favored Soviet team.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Miracle?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Miracle streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Miracle?

Miracle earns 8 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% of films.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Miracle worth watching?

Miracle's Midcredits score is the 94th percentile of all films, from 165K ratings across 6 sources. 84% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

94th percentile

Better received than 94% of films

91st percentile among Biography93rd percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)90th
Approval (how many liked it)94th

74 /100

90th percentile of all films

88th percentile among Biography90th percentile among 2000s

Critics 68 · Audience 75

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.7 — solid but not unanimous.

84% liked it

94th percentile of all films

91st percentile among Biography94th percentile among 2000s
84% rated it 7–1016% rated it 1–6

Critics 80% · Audience 90%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 4 noms overall

94th percentile

165K ratings across platforms

86th percentile among Biography89th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$28M
Opening weekend$19M
Domestic gross$64M
Worldwide gross$64M

Returned 2.3× its budget — 92nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A rousing underdog story about a tough coach who molds a group of college kids into a team that beats the unbeatable Soviets.

Fans praised

  • Kurt Russell's pitch-perfect portrayal of Herb Brooks, capturing his intensity and mannerisms
  • Thrilling, authentic hockey action with immersive camera work and real hockey players
  • Inspiring underdog story that captures the team's unity and the historical context of the Cold War

Detractors panned

  • Formulaic sports-movie clichés and predictable narrative arc
  • Lack of character development for the players, who feel interchangeable

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Kurt Russell's commanding, nuanced performance as Herb Brooks; supporting cast (mostly real hockey players) effective but limited

CinematographyDivisive85

Exceptional on-ice camera work puts viewer in the action

Emotional impactDivisive75

Inspirational and uplifting; patriotic pride resonates strongly with fans

AtmosphereDivisive75

Strong period detail and Cold War backdrop create immersive setting

TensionDivisive70

Suspenseful final game despite known outcome

Plot and storyDivisive60

Standard sports underdog formula; predictable but effective

PacingDivisive50

Drags in the first half; slow subplot with Brooks' wife

CharactersDivisive40

Players largely interchangeable and underdeveloped; focus is on coach Brooks

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 13 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Miracle like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you fired up.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TriumphantTenseHopeful
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its true-life story and characters with earnest respect, aiming to inspire rather than deconstruct.
The rideThe film builds tension through training and close games, peaks in the dramatic semifinal against the Soviets, and resolves with the emotional gold-medal victory.
StructureTold in straightforward chronological order, from Brooks' hiring through the Olympic victory.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Fired up.

The answer rests on this: Rousing · 10% of filmsHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayAn inspiring underdog story that leaves the viewer with a sense of national pride and belief in teamwork.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rags to riches underneath

Why this archetypeThe story follows Herb Brooks and his college-team underdogs as they overcome the dominant Soviet hockey team in the 1980 Olympics, a classic underdog-vs-giant rivalry.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsPurpose · 9% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on forging a disparate group of college players into a unified 'family' willing to sacrifice for each other, with Herb Brooks driven by a lifelong purpose.
StanceThe film wholeheartedly celebrates the power of teamwork and sacrifice to overcome impossible odds, treating the team's unity as a triumph of the human spirit.

The world

Late 20th centuryInstitutionalUrbanRealistic
Orchestral classicalFolkSupportive music · hybrid · Mark Isham
SettingLake Placid, New York, and college hockey rinks across the U.S. in 1979-1980
MusicThe score swells during the game sequences, blending orchestral cues with period-appropriate folk and rock songs.

Content guide

Is Miracle okay for kids?

PG

Miracle is rated PG: “Rated PG for language and some rough sports action” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (31/100), sexual content at mild (18/100), language at moderate (39/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (27/100) and frightening material at mild (24/100). Overall it is heavier than 37% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • UKPG
  • Germany12
  • Brazil12
  • Austria6
  • FinlandK-12
  • Greece12
  • Netherlands6
  • Poland7
  • Sweden7
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 10% of all filmsHeavier than 37% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 36%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 37%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 76%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 49%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 23%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 76% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Miracle have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Miracle?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Kurt Russell
as Herb Brooks
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Patricia Clarkson
as Patti Brooks
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Noah Emmerich
as Craig Patrick
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sean McCann
as Walter Bush
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Kenneth Welsh
as Doc Nagobads
Eddie Cahill
as Jim Craig
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Patrick O'Brien Demsey
as Mike Eruzione
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Michael Mantenuto
as Jack O'Callahan
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Nathan West
as Rob McClanahan
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Kenneth Mitchell
as Ralph Cox
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.

Crew

Directed by

Gavin O'Connor

Written by

Eric Guggenheim

Cinematography

Dan Stoloff

Edited by

Daric LooJohn Gilroy

Music by

Mark Isham

Produced by

Mark CiardiGordon Gray

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What are movies like Miracle?

Movies like Miracle include Toolsidas Junior (2022), The Miracle Season (2018) and The Rookie (2002). Of the 12 closest matches, most are biopics, and all are films that feel triumphant.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its story type: sports underdog. Those cards say what else they share.

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